JAKARTA (Indonesia) - Iconic Iranian Hamed Haddadi has announced his retirement from the national team following his last game at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Haddadi - who is regarded as the greatest Iranian basketball player of all time - has featured in every one of Iran's World Cup campaigns as well two Olympic Games. The veteran center posted 14 points and 8 rebounds in his final appearance as Iran were beaten by Lebanon in the Classification Round 17-32.

"I KNOW I PUT EVERYTHING FOR MY NATIONAL TEAM."

"I have had a long career with the national team since the 2000s," Haddadi said after his last game. "I try to play when I can even if I'm out of shape. I feel good, but I feel upset too because I leave my team.

"I want to give a special thank you to my doctor here who has been with me for more than 10 years. Thank you for pushing me even if I already want to quit. I wish the best for the national team. We have talent but we also have to be patient if they need anything. I am here to help.

"It is time for the young generation. They need to get more time and more experience with more game-time."

Haddadi's presence on the court will be missed by his teammates and fans alike, as he has been a dominant force in the sport across Asia and the world.

He finished his final FIBA Basketball World Cup with averages 10.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 blocks per game - moving into the top-five for blocks in World Cup history with 31 rejections.

Following his final appearance, Haddadi was also celebrated by the opposing team as Lebanon paid their respects to his illustrious career. TCL Player of the Game Wael Arakji also put on Haddadi's Iran jersey in another sign of his respect ahead of the post-game ceremony.

FIBA